South Australia and Victoria are set to battle for the Dean Jones Trophy, named in honor of the cricket legend.
Nathan McSweeney, reflecting on South Australia’s last one-day cup victory in 2011-12, when he was a young Queensland cricket enthusiast, is determined to break the state’s trophy drought. He recalls watching the dramatic final against Tasmania where scores were tied, but South Australia won due to a higher position in preliminary rounds.
Despite a long period without a one-day title, South Australia, led by McSweeney, is eager to change their fortunes as they host Victoria at Adelaide Oval for the Dean Jones Trophy final. McSweeney emphasized the team’s strong preparation and their desire to achieve something special, acknowledging the extended wait for a trophy.
South Australia is also in a strong position in the Sheffield Shield, holding the top spot with two rounds remaining. However, their last Shield victory was in 1995-96, highlighting a prolonged period without major titles.
McSweeney expressed the team’s excitement about their current position and their focus on performing their best cricket, starting with the crucial final and looking ahead to the remaining Shield games.
In the One-Day Cup, both South Australia and Victoria have won four games, but South Australia secured hosting rights due to more bonus point wins.
In their previous encounter this season, Mackenzie Harvey, formerly of Victoria, played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 136 to secure a win for South Australia. Harvey has been outstanding throughout the tournament, topping the run charts with 311 runs at an average of 62.20. McSweeney praised Harvey’s excellent form and his valuable insights into the Victorian team.
Victorian captain Will Sutherland acknowledged the significance of the Dean Jones Trophy, named after the Victorian cricket icon. He noted Jones’s impact and the added importance of competing for a trophy named in his honor.
The final will also mark the inaugural Michael Bevan medal for the player of the final. Earlier in the week, South Australia’s Liam Scott was recognized as the player of the tournament.
One-Day Cup Final Squads
South Australia: Nathan McSweeney (capt), Jordan Buckingham, Brendan Doggett, Daniel Drew, Mackenzie Harvey, Jake Lehmann, Ben Manenti, Nathan McAndrew, Harry Nielsen, Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Henry Thornton
Victoria: Will Sutherland (capt), Scott Boland, Harry Dixon, Sam Elliott, Peter Handscomb, Sam Harper, Marcus Harris, Campbell Kellaway, Todd Murphy, Fergus O’Neill, Ollie Peake, Tom Rogers, Peter Siddle
